Page 158 - FATE & DESTINY

FATE & DESTINY

“Yes, ma’am?”
“Your programme will be aired on the 7:00 pm news.”
“Oh, really? Thanks.”
“Who was that?” asked Choki.
“From the BBS office.” I gave a profound thought. “Oh, hell, no! It’s embarrassing. How could I sob
for a TV show?”
“How could you not?” said Choki. “You did the right thing.”
My eyebrow arched. “How?”
“Wait and watch.”
As the news flashed on the screen, I shrunk back and cringed. “Oh no! I can’t watch it. Why didn’t they
remove my sobbing scene?”
“It’s okay, Apa,” said Choki.
“Really?” I said with a wide grin. “Thanks for the compliments.”
Next day, my phone beeped
“Hello?” I said.
“How’s your baby, sir?” said a woman.
“He is okay for today,” I said. “May I know who is speaking?”
“When are you taking your baby for the treatment?”
“Maybe after one month.”
“Okay, I will phone you later.”
I felt my phone beeping inside my pocket two hours later. “Yes?”
Another soft female voice echoed in my ear. “Dorji Wangdi?”
“Yeah. Who is speaking?”
“I am calling from the town. I appreciate your initiative. My father agreed to contribute some money
for your baby’s treatment.”
“That’d lessen our burden, ma’am.”
“I will call you in a few days.”
“Anytime.”
People from across the country phoned me to send the books. Some assured to donate in cash. The
next day, I got another phone call from a lady.
“Dorji Wangdi?” she said.
“Yes. May I know who is speaking?”
“I work for the UNDP. Can you wait at the school gate, please? My father will come to see you.”
“Your father? Why would he want to see me?”
“Just be at the gate. He would be there anytime.”
“Okay.” I rushed to the school gate.
Minutes later, a black Prado stopped beside me. An elite man in dark goggles rolled down the glass.
“So, you are the one?”
I bowed. “Yes, Dasho.”
“How’s your baby?”
“He is okay.”
“Here, take it.” He handed me a bale of hundred Indian notes. “Treat your baby well. Do you have
books?”
“Yes, Dasho.”
“Three copies.” He flicked through the pages and said, “Safe journey.”
He rolled down his window and drove away.

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